Edwards Leaves on Top of the Mountain

Armanti Edwards plans to relax this holiday season. He certainly deserves it.

Edwards' college career came to an historic end last week, when in a span of a few whirlwind days he added to a story that will be told for generations. Edwards nearly led Appalachian State to its fourth Football Championship Subdivision title game appearance in five seasons, he graduated in just 3 1/2 years of study and last Thursday became the first two-time winner of the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the top player in the FCS.

All that was missing was a Christmas bow -- and that will come soon enough.

"I couldn't have asked for anything more," Edwards told FanHouse recently.

"I was very blessed to be part of this team and program. I am kind of speechless with everything that has happened. You can't ask for much more than what we have."

Edwards arrived on the Appalachian State campus in Boone, N.C., four years ago with goals of wanting to make a difference. He rewrote history -- and beat Michigan, too.

"Armanti is a special player," Montana defensive tackle Austin Mullins said after his team held on to beat Appalachian State, 24-17, in the FCS semfinals Dec. 12.

"He's going to be fun to watch on Sundays."

Edwards became the first quarterback in NCAA history to pass for more than 10,000 yards and rush for over 4,000 yards in his career. He ranked third nationally in total offense and fifth in passing efficiency in the regular season, and finished with 3,291 yards passing and 679 yards rushing, with 30 combined touchdowns for 2009.

For his career, Edwards, a lefty gunslinger, finished with 14,753 yards of total offense, ranking him second on the all-time list behind Alcorn State great Steve McNair.

Edwards, personable and appreciative, can't wait to spend time with his family in Greenwood, S.C., just under a four-hour drive from campus. Edwards has a 2-year-old daughter whom will help make Christmas that much more enjoyable.

"I don't want anything from Santa," Edwards laughed. "It's going to be all about my daughter."

It was at Greenwood High School where Edwards' remarkable story really started.

Edwards originally played wide receiver but was switched to quarterback midway through his junior season. Edwards drew passing recruiting interest from Georgia, New Mexico State, Clemson, and a few others. Many believed, due to his small stature at barely 6-foot, Edwards would have to change positions to be successful.

Edwards selected Appalachian State, in large part because it would let him stay a quarterback.

Edwards is now hoping for the same opportunity in the NFL. He is scheduled to leave for Orlando, Fla., early next month to work with respected trainer Tom Shaw in preparation for the NFL Draft in April.

According to a CBSSports.com scouting report, Edwards is a projected late-round selection in the NFL Draft, though one anonymous scout writes, "this will likely be one of the toughest tweener projections that scouts will have to make this year as Edwards would have been a reject in most years but his performance against top-flight competition will have scouts taking the time to figure out where he belongs."

Edwards, of course, could be the perfect fit to run the Wildcat in the NFL. Edwards has a stronger arm than expected and is quick, elusive and fast. Edwards is coachable, too. He's willing to show NFL brass his skills at receiver and wants to be versatile as possible, which should be easy with his athletic ability.

"If the NFL sees me at a different position, I am willing to try," Edwards said. "Hopefully, though, I can also get a chance to show what I can do at quarterback."

Edwards can do plenty.

The multi-talented quarterback also known for his flowing dreadlocks led Appalachian State to its fifth consecutive Southern Conference title and playoff berth this year and had over 400 yards of total offense three times and over 300 yards seven times during the regular season.

Edwards went out with a bang in his final college performance against Montana, hitting 28- of-54 passes for 353 yards, with one interception, while running 15 times for 54 yards. Montana scored with less than two minutes remaining and withstood Edwards' last-second rally.

The Mountaineers (11-3) had a chance to tie it after marching to the Montana 3-yard line, but Edwards' pass trickled through wideout Brian Quick's hands as time expired. Not a problem, Edwards said.

"Brian made some great catches for us -- everyone drops one," Edwards said.

The following afternoon, a smiling Edwards walked across the graduation stage to a thunderous applause.

"Your football career lasts only so long, but a degree will take you through the rest of your life," said Edwards, who earned a degree in graphic arts and imaging technology in under four years.

The cheering for Edwards was so loud and intense that graduation had to be temporarily stopped. It was the perfect opening for Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock, who gave a short speech reflecting on the memories that all ASU students had while watching Edwards on the football field.

Of course, one of the best memories was in 2007, when Appalachian State traveled to fifth-ranked Michigan, who opened the season with national-championship aspirations. The game was viewed as a virtual scrimmage to ease the Wolverines into season.

Appalachian State had different plans.

Led by Edwards and speedy receiver Dexter Jackson, the Mountaineers stormed the Big House and became the first FCS/Division I-AA team to beat a ranked FBS/Division I-A team. Appalachian State blocked a 37-yard field goal attempt on the final play of the game to preserve the 34-32 win. Edwards threw for 227 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 62 yards and another score.

The highlights only continued.

After missing the first game of the season this year because of a foot injury due to a lawnmower accident, Edwards came alive and drove the Mountaineers to nine straight wins and their fifth straight Southern Conference title and playoff appearance.

Edwards finished his final season with 3,970 yards of total offense (a career high and a school record), 30 combined touchdowns and a solid 68-percent completion rate.

For the second year in a row, Edwards won the Payton Award by a landslide, with 55 first-place votes and 431 points. Terrell Hudgins of Elon became the highest-placing receiver since Villanova's Brian Finneran won the award in 1997, finishing second with 268 points, just ahead of Southern Illinois running back Deji Karim.

Edwards had an acceptance speech all planned. However, as soon as he heard his named called, he forget it. Don't worry, Edwards rebounded nicely and was just fine.

Humility also is an Edwards strength. He is extremely thankful for his time in Boone, N.C. After a quick reprieve for the holidays, Edwards will begin another new, exciting journey.

"You can't ask for much more than what we have," said Edwards, who turns 22 in March.

"Appalachian State has three national championships. I personally have two. We won the conference every year. You want to try and win the national championship every year, but it didn't happen this year. That's OK. When you look back you can't ask for too much more."